After 10 years of waiting, and having suffered Wes Craven's trashy "My Soul To Take," we, as an audience, have patiently waited for another "Scream" movie. The last film, 2000's "Scream 3," was at times entertaining, but ultimately a letdown. Now, "Scream 4" hits theaters with Wes Craven back in the director's chair and Kevin Williamson at the helm with the script, and...let's just start by saying that the 4th film in the infamous franchise gives you plenty to scream about.
On tour for her biography titled "Out of Darkness," Sidney Prescott returns to her hometown of Woodsboro nearly 15 years after the original Ghostface massacre. Gale Weathers and Dewey Riley, Sid's longtime pals, are married, with Dewey as the Woodsboro sheriff and Gale in writers block. Also welcoming her is Jill Roberts, Sidney's cousin, and her friends at good old Woodsboro High. However, Sidney's stay isn't entirely welcome, and it's made damn clear when murders start up again that are patterning the original "Stab," the movie based on the original Woodsboro murders. And since the disreputable batch of sequels have hopefully come to an end, the Ghostface killer has plans to remake the original movie. New decade, new rules.
"Scream 3" disappointed me and many others because it resorted to the average horror cliches instead of mocking them, which the first 2 did so entertainingly. Thankfully, Kevin Williamson wrote a script that is fresh and true to the original "Scream" while also keeping up to date with the current audience that have been raised on remakes and reimaginings. Apparently, Williamson has a lot to say about the new wave of horror films. I don't mind remakes as long as they don't copy or insult the original film. But Williamson has no problem making fun of them. His script is more snarky, hip, and funny than ever before while still being quite scary. Williamson's unbelievable knowledge of the genre continues to astound me.
Of course, knowing that it's a sequel, "Scream 4" must not hold back on the gore as much as not holding back on the satirical elements. And I'm glad to say that it's easily the bloodiest, most violent sequel, perhaps, in the series. Craven and Williamson know what their audience want to see, and the R-rating is well-deserved.
Now, let's talk about the cast. Neve Campbell, David Arquette, and Courtney Cox are a joy to see again in the roles they originated. Arquette and Cox, especially, have some very good scenes together that, at times, show their true love for each other right before their real-life marriage ended. Gale and Dewey haven't changed a bit. And now that her character is all grown up, Neve Campbell gives us a Sidney that is tougher, smarter, and more frightened than ever before.
The new kids on the chopping block are also very notable. Emma Roberts has certainly matured since her days on Nickelodeon's "Unfabulous," and she gives her best performance yet, guaranteeing that she can make it as a great actress. Hayden Panetierre is also a highlight as Kirby, a cool chick who happens to be a closeted horror movie freak.
Other people that are worth noting are Rory Culkin and Erik Knudsen as hilarious reflections of Jamie Kennedy's Randy from the first film, Alison Brie as Sidney's conniving publicist, Marley Shelton as awkward deputy Judy Hicks, and Anthony Anderson and Adam Brody as a funny pair of cops. Oh, and let's not forget surprise cameos from Anna Paquin and Kristen Bell.
Altogether, the film never wanders too far into parody and doesn't wind up making fun of itself, like "Scary Movie." The script is to die for, the horror movie references are killer(pun intended), the opening is fantastic(be proud, Drew Barrymore), the cast is stellar, the kills are wonderful, and as for the twist...it's rational and surprising. Trust me. You will never see it coming. "Scream 4" instantly makes up for "Scream 3," and after basically every slasher film has gotten the redux, it's a welcome entry in the genre that is sure to have newcomers hurrying onto Netflix and renting the first three. It's the scariest, goriest, funniest, and most suspenseful "Scream" since the original! "What's your favorite scary movie?"
